Tacoma for high elevation rockies?

4runnner can be had with full time 4wd. Pretty much the same as AWD but you have the option to use 4low. I know they had it on older 4runners (02 - 09 I think) in the limited trim which also came with a better stereo system. I am not sure about the newest gen and if they have full time 4wd though.

 

Good points. I do wonder if I'm shifting super far to the other side after driving a prius for awhile. I do like the RAV4 a lot, but I don't know how capable it is. Definitely more than my prius, but obviously not as much as a 4Runner. Where it falls in between I have no idea. Also its hard to give up 40 mpg.. the RAV4 Hybrid can get that

 

How did you find the new RAV4? I've driven it once and I liked it a lot, but I don't know how capable it is. They certainly made it look more capable, but I don't know how well that translates. You said the RAV will give me the same problems as the subie and the prius. Which problems would those be?

 

I've been reading about their oil issues and it is a bit concerning. Seems like a fairly common problem that they don't do anything about.

 

It's just a switch on the dash (at least in the tacoma) that you can switch on while driving. No stopping, no getting out of the truck, etc. You just have to be mindful of turning it on, and turning it off when needed.

There are a few things to be mindful of, such as: do not use on dry pavment. You can build up a lot of driveline tension and cause damage to your transfer case. You're supposed to switch it on for like a mile per month as a part of regular maintenance for the transfer case solenoid. There is more maintenance since you now have a front diff and transfer case fluid to change every 30,000 miles. You'll also need to grease the driveline grease zerks every oil change. You also do have a low range selection within the transfer case hence the term 4-hi, 4-lo. 4-lo isn't really needed unless you're doing some slow stuff like a few mph crawling over rocks or deep snow.

The learning curve isn't much of it at all. It's a great segway into a new lifestyle, IMO, since a 4WD vehicle is much more robust with a bigger payload, typically, than an AWD vehicle, you can go on some longer trips into the back country over some fireroads and moderate trails on a stock 4WD vehicle. There are plenty of videos on the internet of how to use and when to use.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. Sorry I didn't respond to everyone, but I have been reading this thread a lot and checking up on it. Lots of good discussions. So it sounds like a Tacoma isn't the best choice for me and I think I agree with that. Also the reviews that I've read haven't been stellar for the 3rd gen. That leaves the Outback, 4Runner and Rav4. All of these vehicles have their pluses and minuses which makes it more difficult.

I like the looks of the Rav4 and its 40 mpg, but I'm not sure how capable it is. I'm getting rid of my prius for a reason and I'd hate to have something that's marginally more capable, although I'm probably underestimating it.

I don't really like how the outback looks even though it's probably the most appropriate car for me. In certain colors it looks okay, but I wish they would redesign the exterior a little bit. I mean the crosstrek looks sweet. I don't think it would take too much to make the outback look less like a grandma mobile. (I hate to focus on looks so much, but I've been driving a gen 2 prius for a long time. Have you ever picked up a girl for a first date in a 2009 prius?) Compared to a 4Runner its definitely going to get better MPG (how much I'm not sure), be better in snow (I think), drive smoother, it maybe more comfortable, have better infotainment, etc.

The 4Runner is definitely a little dated, but is very reliable from what i've read. The 2020's did finally receive an infotainment update and safety sense, which is a huge plus in my book. I doubt I'd consider it without those things (I do like technology). I love the way they look and I like how capable they are. Definitely an apocalypse vehicle. Tons of cargo room. I guess I'm a tad worried about their snow performance compared to an AWD. Also the gas mileage would be a shock coming from a Prius. I wonder what I could expect at 10,000 feet. I feel like I'm ignoring a bunch of the downsides to this vehicle, but sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants.

I'm going to try to test drive these again in the next few days. Thanks again for the advice everyone. I'm having quite the hard time deciding

 

Hey your back! Anyway if you really do find that the 4Runner fits your needs over the others, do yourself a favor and go test drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee. We’ve had one in Trailhawk trim for 2 years and in my opinion features, infotainment, comfort and drivability it blows the 4Runner out of the water. I’m not saying the Jeep is better than the 4Runner for everyone, but you should drive a directly competing vehicle so you know what the competition feels like vs a 4Runner.

 

OP - I think you should be looking at 4 Runner or Subaru.

Subaru has the better fuel economy.

4 Runner has better off-road if roads get really sketchy, mud, deeper snow, etc.

 

Jeep has terrible reliability ratings. If you're going to buy a Jeep, get a real Jeep (Wrangler/Rubicon).

 

T4R from me

 

If you can, take your time deciding and go on long test drives in a variety of road conditions

 

What he said!! Internet shopping and comment gathering is a good time filler but I have been amazed when taking the time to do things in person with an open mind how fast an opinion on a vehicle can change. We all have very unique opinions and preferences. Just do what feels right to you.

You’re going to get a lot of Toyota fanboy recommendations on here. That said, the overwhelming responses you have got recommending a Subaru should tell you something.

 

The 4.0 engine is been around long enough to begin being known as a 1/2 million miler, the automatic transmission is supposed to be maintenance free. I tried to have my fluids flushed at 90k and the dealership recommended against it.
You'll have more than a Prius for sure in maintenance as it's gonna be a 4wd and heavier so brakes will need changing probably ever 30k in the hills but the vehicle itself should last longer than you'll probably want to keep it.
I don't think you can beat a Subaru as far as handling in the snow, period. I would still buy a 4Runner, learn the controls and just go a bit slower than you could go in a Subaru. Those boxer engines are cool by design kind of like a rotary engine but they both fail early over time because physics.
The 4runner extra weight in the rear should also help your case over the Tacoma..

 

Also, Prius is starting to sell their AWDs this year I think.?.

 

I’m with the 4Runner folk on here. Either way, you’ll be sacrificing some positives for what you want to better suit your life style. I play around in the Moab and the San Juan Mountain area all the time. A 4Runner will get you to more places than a Subaru will, which will also mean lesser number of folk around. My Tacoma has had no problems with 11,000+ feet in the high elevation, although it definitely takes a hit in the gas area.

 

The Rav4 has an overland edition. One of my friends has one. It has AWD, terrain select, a bit more cargo room, sporty adventure styling, and a mild lift from the factory.

I think it might be perfect for you.

My Mom has a Rav4 Limited and it's like they're 2 totally different vehicles.

Take a look at the Rav4 Overland edition.

 

They are making a TRD off-road version this year too.

 

https://youtu.be/4rIryw3hdrc

 

Honestly ever since they began implementing the CVTs into their cars their AWD systems have suffered. It’s good enough for most people not to notice, but compared to the old 4 speed Jatcos or manual, the CVT limits wheelspin and often cuts power. My 98 outback performed way better in the snow and ice than my 2017 outback, and my CVT started having severe shuddering issues at 11k miles. Now Subaru did extend the warranty to 100k miles, but that’s not very reassuring when they cost at least 8 grand to replace.

 

If you don’t happen to need a bed, and only occasionally take it down a trail to get to a trailhead, I’d go for the RAV4 hybrid personally. Standard AWD, easily gets 40mpg, surprisingly fun to drive, and torque from the electric motor. Toyota’s hybrid systems and drivetrains are already bulletproof, but having a Prius, you likely already know that.